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Robin Frisch-Gleason is a geologist and an elementary school teacher in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Click on image for full size Image courtesy of Robin Frisch-Gleason.

Robin Frisch-Gleason

Robin Frisch-Gleason brings a background in both geology and teaching to the ANDRILL Project. Robin's first career was geology. She received her B.A. in Geology from Oberlin College in 1982, and her M.S. in Geology from Vanderbilt University in 1987. For her Master's Thesis research, Robin worked in Antarctica on sedimentary rocks from the Permian Mackellar Formation. As Robin reports, that was a life-changing event and, since her field work in 1985/86, Robin has made it her personal commitment to teach people of all ages and walks of life about Antarctica and its many mysteries. Robin worked at various times for the U.S. Geological Survey, the Arizona State Geological Survey, The National Academy of Sciences, and in private consulting firms.

Robin eventually made teaching her primary career, and became an Elementary School Teacher at Bach Elementary School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She stayed involved in Antarctic research and public presentations, however. When the ARISE Program emerged, Robin saw a perfect opportunity to merge her dual background in Antarctic geology and teaching, and applied to the program. She is thrilled to be involved in both the seismic survey of the Mackay Sea Valley as well as study of the ANDRILL core. Robin is looking forward to applying her teaching and public speaking experience to the ANDRILL Project to develop creative and public-friendly activities and educational materials.

Prior to deployment, Robin is visiting schools and community groups throughout southeastern Michigan to give them background on ANDRILL and ARISE, and to invite them to "Join the Journey." After her On Ice experience, Robin will revisit the classes she visited earlier, and continue her school and community visits. Robin is also working with local museums and libraries to design exhibits, talk series, professional development workshops, and activity kits and events. She will also be finishing on a children's book about Antarctica and developing a correspondence program linking northern and southern hemisphere students in an "Earth Stewardship Program."

Robin states that she already has a cast of thousands of participants behind her, cheering her on and watching for blogs and scientific findings. She can't wait to start the journey with such a cast of supporting roles!

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